A globally significant, ultra-rare 1923 Isotta Fraschini Tipo 8, found after lying dormant for 50 years in a Victorian shed, will make its public debut at this year's RACV Motorclassica event, staged at Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Building from 25 to 27 October.

Unearthed after awaiting a restoration that never happened, the totally original Italian machine is one of just a handful left in the world from an original production run of 600, and was the first production vehicle ever to use a straight-eight engine.

Arguably the most significant ‘barn find’ vehicle uncovered this year, it’s valued in the millions once restored, and got the team at MOTOR thinking about other amazing automotive discoveries.